Handy sentenced Oudkerk to 20 years in prison, suspended after 10 years served, and 20 years’ probation. In addition, he must register as a sex offender.

Conditions of Oudkerk’s probation include no unsupervised contact with minors and a ban on possessing pornography. His workplace, home and any romantic or sexual relationships must be reported to probation officials.

The girl reported the abuse in March 2012, when she was 17, Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Anne Ferryman said. The girl, whom Oudkerk knew, estimated she was assaulted hundreds of times beginning when she was 11.

Oudkerk was arrested in July 2012 by Norwich police. He agreed to a plea bargain in August.

Public Defender Kevin Barrs said Oudkerk was physically abused as a child himself. “His upbringing was difficult, to say the least,” Barrs said. “He and his brother had to arm themselves with sticks when his dad came around.”

Barrs said Oudkerk also suffers from mental illness.

Handy agreed that Oudkerk was mentally ill, but she pointed out that he knew what he was doing to the girl was wrong. “You told her repeatedly that if she told anyone, you would kill her,” Handy said.

Oudkerk’s victim did not attend his sentencing, but she is aware of the punishment Oudkerk received, victim’s advocate Beth Ann Hess said.